Shonda Rhimes explained the 35-year-old actress' departure in a post Thursday following the show's emotional Season 13 finale.

"Actors evolve differently and when an actor like Jerrika comes to me and says she wants to try something new creatively, I like to honor that," Rhimes wrote on Twitter.

"Jerrika has shared so much of herself with Stephanie and I am incredibly proud of the journey we've taken together. While I'm sad to see Stephanie leave Grey Sloan Hospital, I am excited to see what's next for Jerrika," she said.